In a stunning turn of events, Steve Lazarides, the former right-hand man of the enigmatic street artist Banksy, is set to auction off his extensive personal collection of the artist’s work and memorabilia. The archive, which includes original paintings, prints, sketches, and artifacts, is expected to fetch millions at Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles.
The End of an Era
For Lazarides, parting with the collection marks the end of a significant chapter in his life. Having worked closely with Banksy for over a decade as his agent, gallerist, and confidant, the decision to sell was not an easy one.
This has been a large part of my life for the last 25 years, whether I was working with him or not. I just want it out of my in-tray and to go back to concentrating on taking photographs again.
– Steve Lazarides
A Fateful Meeting
Lazarides first encountered Banksy’s work in 1997 while on assignment for Sleazenation magazine in Bristol. The street art immediately captivated him with its wit, political commentary, and daring placement.
I saw his shit on the street and it fucking blew me away. It was totally different from any other shit I was seeing.
– Steve Lazarides
From there, a partnership was born, with Lazarides becoming Banksy’s agent, manager, and gallerist. Together, they navigated the art world, mounting exhibitions and selling works, all while fiercely protecting the artist’s anonymity.
The Toll of Success
However, the intensity of working with the prolific artist eventually took its toll on Lazarides. By 2008, he had reached a breaking point and the two parted ways.
Banksy’s a full-time job, and I wanted to look after other artists, so he went his way, and I went mine.
– Steve Lazarides
Despite the split, Lazarides continued to work in the art world as a dealer, gallerist, and promoter. However, he grew increasingly disillusioned with the commercialization and speculation that had infiltrated the market.
Artistic Integrity
For Lazarides, Banksy’s early work represented a purer form of artistic expression, untainted by the lure of financial gain.
He never went into it for money. We didn’t even know you could make money. It wasn’t fine art. This was on the streets for everybody.
– Steve Lazarides
This ethos stands in stark contrast to the current state of the art market, where Lazarides laments that the primary concerns seem to be investment potential and resale value.
Treasures of the Archive
The auction, titled “Under Duress: The Banksy Archive of Steve Lazarides,” features an array of rare and unique items that offer insights into Banksy’s creative process and the duo’s tumultuous relationship.
Notable lots include:
- Original paintings such as Hooded Figure and Burning Police Car
- Hand-cut stencils like Drill Rat
- Prints including Rude Copper, Love Is In The Air, and Bomb Hugger
- Concept sketches for works like Paparazzi Rat
- Limited edition Puma Clydes worn by Banksy at his 2003 Turf War exhibition
- A set of 15 burner phones used to maintain secrecy
Perhaps most intriguingly, the collection also contains angry notes that Banksy would leave for Lazarides, stuck to his computer screen with gaffer tape – a testament to the intensity of their working relationship.
Guarding the Mystery
Throughout their partnership and in the years since, Lazarides has remained steadfastly committed to protecting Banksy’s anonymity. He estimates that he’s been asked about the artist’s identity over 100,000 times, but has never wavered in his discretion.
This dedication is perhaps best exemplified by the burner phones, which Lazarides would purchase every few weeks, using cash, to ensure a secure line of communication with Banksy.
A Controversial Favorite
Ironically, one of the most high-profile pieces in the auction, a print of Girl with Balloon, is a work that Lazarides openly dislikes, finding the imagery unsettling rather than uplifting.
I can’t stand the Girl with Balloon print. Everybody thinks this is a happy scene, and I’m like: ‘Nah, it’s a little girl losing her heart. Where do you see happiness in that, you sick motherfucker?’ There is no happiness in it.
– Steve Lazarides
However, he does express admiration for Banksy’s infamous shredding stunt at Sotheby’s in 2018, seeing it as a powerful piece of performance art that cemented the artist’s place in art history.
Banksy’s Blessing
Despite their rocky history, it seems that Banksy is supportive of Lazarides’s decision to sell the archive. While Lazarides remains characteristically tight-lipped about the details of their communication, he hints at a tacit understanding between them.
As for their last encounter, Lazarides offers a tantalizing clue, revealing that he last saw Banksy “disappearing through the crowd at a Massive Attack gig.” This anecdote is sure to fuel further speculation about the artist’s identity, which has been the subject of countless theories over the years.
A New Chapter
With the auction, Lazarides is closing the door on a significant part of his past, but also opening a new one. Free from the weight of the archive, he plans to return to his first love – photography.
I don’t need 1,000 prints to prove I worked with Banksy. It’s done.
– Steve Lazarides
As the art world awaits the results of the auction with bated breath, one thing is certain: the legacy of Banksy and Lazarides’s partnership will continue to inspire, provoke, and captivate for generations to come.
